Information on the optional program for prepaying first installment tax bills. This option is most often utilized by taxpayers who travel in the winter months or who elect to prepay the first installment by December 31 for income-tax reasons. NOTE: A law passed by the Illinois Legislature in 2009 raised the first installment tax from 50% to 55% of the prior year's total tax.

This exemption program, administered through the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs, reduces taxable assessments for those who were disabled as a result of their service in the U.S. Armed Services.

This program is administered by the Cook County Treasurer's Office and the Illinois Department of Revenue. It allows qualifying seniors to defer part or all of the property taxes until ownership of the property is transferred. Applications are available from late January through the March 1 deadline.

This program is administered by the Cook County Treasurer's Office and allows homeowners of all ages to designate a relative or other trusted friend to receive a duplicate notice only in the event there is a tax delinquency.

This exemption program, administered through the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs, reduces taxable assessments for those who were disabled as a result of their service in the U.S. Armed Forces.

The Real-Time TPA System (RTS) allows banks, mortgage companies, and title companies to pay on single or multiple Property Index Numbers (PINs) online through an ACH debit and receive an instant, official Cook County Treasurer printable e-receipt. Payments can be made on the current and previous tax year.

This is the form to submit if you would like a relative or other trusted friend to receive a duplicate notice of delinquency in the event you are not in town or otherwise unable to respond to such an important notice.

This program is administered by the Cook County Treasurer's Office and the Illinois Department of Revenue. It allows qualifying seniors to defer part or all of the property taxes until ownership of the property is transferred. Applications are available from late January through the March 1 deadline.

The Senior Citizen Real Estate Tax Deferral program is a tax-relief program that works like a loan. It allows qualified seniors to defer a maximum of $5,000 per tax year (this includes 1st and 2nd installments) on their primary home. The loan from the State of Illinois is paid when the property is sold, or upon the death of the participant.

Who Qualifies?

Participants must be:

Homeowners who are at least 65 years of age by June 1 of the year in which the applications are made.

Those whose household income is $55,000 or less.

Surviving spouses of previously approved applicants who are at least 55 years of age within six months of the taxpayer's death.

Those who have owned and occupied the qualifying property for at least the last three years.

Those who have fire or casualty insurance coverage for the qualifying property in an amount not less than the amount of the taxes being deferred.

Those who do not owe outstanding property tax or special assessments.

Those who have written approval from the spouse, if filing jointly, or Trustee, if the property is held in a qualifying Trust, to participate in the program.

How do I apply?

Applications are available at the Cook County Treasurer’s Office after January 1 through the March 1 application deadline. You may also access the applications by scrolling below and selecting Forms IL-1017 and IL-1018.

Fill out the application completely and provide photocopies, not originals, of the required documents.

You are required to return your applications to the Cook County Treasurer's Office no later than March 1.There are no time extensions.

You must apply each year you want to participate.

How much will it cost?

6% simple interest per year payable upon death, or at the time the home is transferred to a new owner or sooner, if the participant chooses to pay off the senior-deferral loan.

How much tax can be deferred?

The maximum annual property tax deferral shall not exceed $5,000 per year. The lien fee amount for that year is not included in the $5,000 cap. For example, a taxpayer with an annual tax bill of $5,200 will only be able to defer $5,000. It will be the taxpayer’s responsibility to pay the remaining $200 to the Cook County Treasurer's Office.

Please note that late payments are assessed interest of 1.5% per month until paid in full.

What if there is a mortgage?

Although written approval from your mortgage lender is not required in order to qualify for the program, you should advise your mortgage lender of your intention to participate in the program and confirm that your participation will not violate any terms of your mortgage agreement. The same is recommended if you have entered into a "reverse-mortgage" agreement.

What if my property is in a Trust?

For first time applicants, starting with the 2012 tax bills and thereafter, the only form of Trust that the property can be held in is an Illinois Land Trust with the applicant or the applicant and spouse identified as the sole beneficiary(s) of the Trust.

All applicants must submit both the Trust Agreement and the Deed in Trust. The Trustee (the bank or Trust Company) and homeowner must both sign Form IL-1017. Senior citizens interested in participating with a property held in Trust should begin the application process as early as possible.

What if I change my mind?

The program is flexible. A homeowner may withdraw, keep the loan, pay off the loan and/or re-enter the following year.

REMINDER: Last day to file is March 1 of the year the taxes otherwise would be paid. There are no time extensions.